Police Question Civic Group Official Who Filed Complaint Against Justice Minister Nominee Kim Seung-won

A representative of a civic group that filed a complaint against Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won over allegations that he solicited approval for COVID-19 treatment clinical trials has appeared before the police.

The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station summoned Kim Soon-hwan, Secretary-General of the Citizens' Coalition for People's Livelihood, today (the 12th) to conduct an investigation as the complainant.

Entering the interrogation room, Secretary-General Kim told reporters, "The Minister of Justice is a position that requires a high degree of morality and must work according to law and principle," adding, "It is right to resign voluntarily before the public asks."

Previously, the coalition filed a complaint against nominee Kim on charges including violation of the Political Funds Act, abuse of authority, violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, and mediation bribery.

This is based on the rationale that further investigation is needed regarding allegations that nominee Kim asked the Minister of Food and Drug Safety in 2021 to "take good care of" approving new drug clinical trials for the biotech company Genencell, which may constitute abuse of authority, and suspicions that he promised to receive donations in exchange for clinical trial-related solicitations.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.